USPS enforces Move Update compliance

The following post is by guest blogger Amy Rambo. Amy is the Director of the MCH Response Lab data processing department.

The USPS began enforcing compliance with Move Update requirements on January 4, 2010. To meet the requirements, mailers must be using addresses on mailpieces that have been updated using an approved method within 95 days prior to the mailing date. The threshold that became effective in 2010 includes the following:

• There must be more than five pieces with a Change of Address that were not updated.
• A passing score requires updating 70% or more of the COAs.
• First-Class mail and Standard Mail will be assessed at 7 cents for each piece that isn’t compliant.
• Additional postage will only be assessed against the portion of the mail that is below the threshold.

Example: If verification results are 60%, the USPS will assess additional postage for 10% of the pieces in the mailing (70% threshold – 60% score).
Mailing total pieces: 100,000
Move Update score: 60%
Percent application: 70% threshold – 60% = 10%
Pieces for additional postage: 10% x 100,000 = 10,000
Calculation: .07 x 10,000 = $700.00

The USPS presented a Move Update Technical webinar in August 2009. The 81-page presentation contains information about acceptable methods of processing addresses prior to a mailing, the appeal process, and interpreting Move Update worksheets and reports.

You can view or download a PDF of the USPS presentation here.